Jack Harkness in Doctor Who: The Secret History and His Journey to Earth

In the vast and intricate universe of Doctor Who, many characters have embarked on epic journeys, each with its own unique tale. Among them is the immortal Torchwood agent, Jack Harkness. This article delves into the enigmatic history leading up to his arrival in 19th century London, driven by his longing to find The Doctor.

The Abandonment of Jack Harkness

The story of Jack Harkness begins in the year 200100, when he was abandoned by The Doctor in the aftermath of a catastrophic battle between humanity and the Daleks. Orbiting a desolate Earth, Jack, who is no stranger to time and its challenges, attempted to use his vortex manipulator to travel back to Earth, specifically to the early 21st century, where he believed he would find the TARDIS and its charismatic captain.

The Malfunction of the Vortex Manipulator

However, Jack’s plan went awry. His vortex manipulator, a device crucial to his ability to traverse time and space, had sustained severe damage during the conflict with the Daleks. Due to this damage, the device malfunctioned, sending him not forward, but backwards through time to the middle of the 19th century. In the divided world of 1870s London, Jack discovered his manipulator was too damaged to make another attempt, forcing him to adapt and survive as a 19th-century Londoner for nearly two generations.

The Long Waking in London

Over the next 130 years, Jack encountered various challenges and opportunities in Victorian London. He witnessed the evolution of groundbreaking progress, from the height of the Industrial Revolution to the threshold of the 20th century. Through this time, Jack found work as a detective for the Metropolitan Police Force, using his exceptional wit and knowledge to solve complex puzzles, much like the crimes portrayed in the era of fictional detective Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Rediscovery of Jack Harkness

Ultimately, Jack’s time in the 19th century was neither a direct nor easy journey. He not only witnessed but also participated in pivotal historical events. He came across an old acquaintance, River Song, who later revealed to him that the Doctor’s TARDIS had landed near London sometime in the 19th century. This revelation set into motion a series of events that would eventually lead to the revival of his vortex manipulator and his reunification with the Doctor in 2007.

The Reunion and Beyond

The encounter with the Doctor in 2007 was not merely a reunion for Jack. It marked the beginning of a complex relationship, one filled with lineage, destiny, and intertwining fates. Through their reunion, Jack found himself directly involved in the adventures of the 11th Doctor and the 51st century as a result of his connection to Rose Tyler.

Jack Harkness: A Legacy Behind the Scenes

Jack Harkness, the man who stood by the side of the Doctor time and again, has a history that is both tragic and inspiring. His journey from the 22nd century to 19th-century London and back again reflects not only the Doctor Who motif of time travel but also the underlying themes of loyalty and sacrifice. Jack’s character becomes even more enigmatic when considering the Doctor and Rose Tyler’s daughter, Martha, who knows more about Jack’s origins than anyone ever has.

Jack Harkness’s story is a testament to the lengths one will go to reunite with something precious, namely, the love and companionship of a great friend. In his journey from the future to the past and back again, he demonstrates the timeless virtues that make the Doctor Who universe resonate with its audience.